The first test flight landed at Bhogapuram International Airport, triggering a political credit war in Andhra Pradesh. YSR Congress is eager to claim credit. However, old videos of Jagan opposing the project are resurfacing.
At this point, former Rajya Sabha MP Vijayasai Reddy appeared to play it safe. He shared a post on X welcoming the first test flight. His statement focused on parliamentary efforts rather than party credit.
Vijayasai Reddy said he consistently raised airport-related issues in Parliament. He added that it was satisfying to see the project nearing completion. He highlighted that the airport would fulfil the aspirations of the people of Vizag.
His cautious tone suggests he wants limited personal credit. At the same time, he appears keen to stay away from the ongoing political credit war. This approach did not go down well with some party supporters.
Several YSR Congress supporters criticised him in the replies. They questioned why he did not clearly credit the party. Others felt his words indirectly acknowledged YSR Congress’s role.
Despite the debate, Vijayasai Reddy’s influence in Andhra Pradesh politics appears limited now. His statements no longer carry the weight they once did. The episode also offers a lesson for YSR Congress.
The party does deserve some credit for the project. However, its earlier approach as an opposition party worked against it. YSR Congress strongly opposed the airport during land acquisition.
As the opposition, it allegedly instigated farmers and filed court cases. These actions delayed the project significantly. If not for these hurdles, the airport could have been completed much earlier.
Nearly 50 percent land acquisition was completed during CBN’s regime. Jagan alleged irregularities but did not return any acquired land during his tenure.
After coming to power, Jagan acknowledged the importance of the project. He laid a second foundation stone on May 3, 2023. He also continued with GMR Group, despite earlier allegations.
Now, YSR Congress wants credit for the airport. But its past actions continue to haunt the party. The credit war has only highlighted its contradictions.
Delighted to see the 1st test flight land at Bhogapuram Airport. I had consistently raised issues related to this airport in Parliament and through meetings with Ministers. It is heartening to see the project ready to fulfil the aspirations of the people of Vizag. #VizagAirport
— Vijayasai Reddy V (@VSReddy_MP) January 5, 2026
